Getting started

• For paraffin embedding: Fix samples in formalin/ PFA (or ethanol) for 24 to 48h, depending on sample size. Afterwards wash and store the samples in PBS. This way the samples can also be stored for a longer period, e.g. when the lab is closed for holidays.
  Cut to a maximum size of 2.0 x 2.0 cm. A maximum height of 0.4 cm is possible.

• For cryosectioning: The tissue should not be fixed. Samples originating from a laboratory with a safety level of 1 or higher must be fixed to minimize safety risks for Core Facility staff. Ideally, the user should embed the tissue in cryomolds with freezing medium, ensuring that the tissue is entirely surrounded by the embedding medium. The cutting site is the bottom of the cryomold. Any variations must be discussed with the Core Facility.
  If needed, embedding in freezing medium can be performed by Core Facility staff. In this case, the tissue should be brought to the Core Facility in PBS or NaCl as soon as possible after removal.

Pack each sample individually and label well, preferably with a solvent-resistant pen. Please store in such a way that the samples are not “dry”.

(First time using PPMS: submit a “account creation request” Detailed information about registration, login, account management can be found in the Quick- Start Guide for all core facilities of the Bonn Technology Campus. The general BTC FAQs might also help out answering the most common questions. 

• Login in PPMS
• New to facility: read and accept our “Terms of use”
• Download our “order form”. You can find it in “documents”
• Fill in all information in the “order form”
• Fill in all the lines in the contact section
  • For every sample fill one line with sample-ID, your Group, the kind of samples you bring with the quantity (mostly 1) in the first light grey box, the quantity and kind of what you want to get in the second dark grey box
  • Use the notes box for additional information like thickness of sections, number of sections per slide, IHC: DAB or AP, orientation of tissue in embedding. Please observe our standards and note any deviations.
  • An order has a limit of 100 samples. If you have more, please make a second order
  • Open the sheet/table “summary to order” 
    The green column shows you what you have to fill in the PPMS order
• Save your order form
• Open in PPMS the tab “order” 
  Fill in the quantity in the green column. You can transfer it from the “summary to order” in the “order from”. Please note that an order fee applies to every order. Please transfer this as well. (It is automatically filled in the “summary to order”.)
• Click on “order”
• Follow the introductions:
  • Click “upload a file” and add your filled order form
  • Select the date when you will bring the samples
  • Click “proceed order”
• The following message appears: Order submitted, and your #ordernumber is displayed. Please remember your order number, you need it to track updates and collect your samples
• Click “ok”
• Your order summary is displayed. Here it is possible to "cancel order"